Publix Super Markets Charities announced a $50,000 donation to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, as part of a $5 million grant to Feeding America® member food banks, schools and other nonprofit organizations across the Southeast. The donation is made as part of Publix’ ongoing support of hunger relief efforts and in recognition of September being Hunger Action Month. The announcement in Raleigh was made by Publix CEO, Todd Jones, at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, which also received a significant donation.

“Millions of people in the Southeast — many of them children and seniors — may not know where they will find their next meal. Together, we can help change that,” said Kelly Williams-Puccio, executive director of Publix Super Markets Charities.

“We are proud to continue our commitment to feeding communities across the Southeast and offer dignity and nourishment to our neighbors in need.”

According to the USDA, 1 in 8 people across the U.S. struggles with hunger, including more than 9 million people in Publix’s operating area. In fiscal year 2018-19, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle distributed 5.5 million pounds of food through a variety of methods and venues, including 48 recipient agency partners, 84 BackPack Buddies sites, 29 Senior Grocery Bags sites, 27 School Pantries, and 12 Mobile Markets in a 7-county service area.

“Hunger is unacceptable,” says Bethann James, Interim President and CEO of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. “This donation enables us to continue to feed, teach, and grow alongside our neighbors to create a healthy and hunger-free North Carolina.”